Best Ways To Travel Across Fiji

For those of you who are independent’ travellers, here are a few handy hints on the best ways to travel in Fiji, plus a few things you might want to know about the place before you go.

By Land

Buses: The bigger islands on Fiji have public buses available in most main areas. It is a cheap and fun way around big cities, you can wait at a bus stop or generally hail them down off the road. There are also coach services available for longer trips between cities which are not too expensive and do not generally require a pre-booking.

Taxis: The taxis do not run on meters, but are always easy to get seeing as there seem to be more taxis than tourists. Make sure you ask a local the most reasonable fare to where you are going, and ask if they are ‘return’ taxis, meaning they are on their way back to their base, because it is cheaper if they do not have to deviate from their route. Do not expect taxis to be new or nice cars and always expect a big chat with the taxi driver, especially if you bring up any political topics or anything to do with Fiji.

Carriers: The locals also have their own small-trucks called ‘carriers’ which travel between Nadi and Suva. They are the cheapest way to get between the two cities. It is a hair raising experience but if you think being squashed by a pack of chattering locals, seeing your life flash before your eyes and you don’t mind pulling a tarpaulin over your head when it starts raining is fun, then give it a try.

Minivans: You can hop in local minivans around Nadi, do not expect them to abide by any weight limit laws, they are quicker than buses and cheaper than taxis.

Rental Cars: It is expensive to hire a car however if you are travelling around a main island with a few people it may be a good investment. Stick to trusted brands and always check the car over before taking it, you will also need an international license, a credit card or large cash deposit, and to be over 21. It is also advisable you are a confident driver, because the locals drive like maniacs.

Hitch hiking: In Fiji hitch-hiking is a common way for locals to get around. Expect to part with about the same as a bus fare at the end of the lift but if you are adventurous and not too shy feel free to stick out your thumb if you are stuck. Be careful around Suva and Nadi however, as there have been attacks on unwitting tourists in both areas.

Bicycles: If you like exercise and all that jazz and are willing to use your own legs to get about the place you can hire bikes for around $10-$30AUD a day, around the Coral Coast especially are very picturesque roads to wind your way down and take in the sea air. We recommend a tough guy mountain bike for anywhere inland.

By Air

There are two main airports on Viti Levu in Nadi and Suva which are both international and domestic. There are also two on Vanua Levu, and small airports for light aircraft on Taveuni, Kadava, Ovalau, Mamanucas, Malololailai and Mana. You will be able to book flights from the mainland for most of these. If it’s windy, consider how much your life is worth before getting on a small aircraft, then get on it anyway, because flying over Fiji is one of the most breathtaking sights you will ever experience. We recommend South Pacific Sea Planes with their flights covering a good range of flight routes at very reasonable prices.

By Sea

Here is where it gets strange and there is no real set rules. Most resorts have their own boats which will take you to and from the island they are on. There are also a few main ferry companies in the main towns of Viti Levu which will take you out to popular tourist islands and are relatively inexpensive. Catamaran transfers are also common ways to get to main islands and are pretty awesome because they go faster and everything that goes faster is better. Small local boats are usually the cheapest way to get between islands, but again do not expect any form of safety, you will be squashed, thrown about and will not have any form of life-jacket or safety device available on board. Another way to consider getting around is a yacht tour or sailing adventure. There are many options available through tourism booking agencies and as long as you do not get seasick and realize that after a week on a boat the toilet is not going to be the nicest smelling or cleanest place on Earth this is actually a good way to see a larger selection of islands in a short amount of time.

Head over to www.fiji.travel for all of the know- how on the best places to go and ways to get there.

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